Republicans jockey for conservative credibility

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — The Republican Party's 2016 class is jockeying for credibility with their party's most passionate voters in battleground South Carolina.

A slate of Republicans led by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson appeared at a Friday event hosted by Heritage Action for America, the political arm of a Washington-based conservative think.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker vowed to eliminate federal departments that regulate education and environmental protection. Carson and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz called on congressional leaders to block federal funding from Planned Parenthood even if it triggers a government shutdown. And Bush promised to adopt policies that reduce the number of unwed mothers.

The gathering comes two days after the Republicans met for their second presidential debate.